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David Luiz backs ‘amazing Conte’ and sets Chelsea title aim

David Luiz: Back at Chelsea

David Luiz is ready to play wherever he is asked in Antonio Conte’s new-look Chelsea team following a £30million deadline day move back to Stamford Bridge from Paris Saint-Germain.

The Brazilian, 29, has been training at Cobham this week as he settles into London life again after what was something of an unexpected return from France completed in the final hours of the window on August 31.

Luiz has traditionally been deployed as a centre-half, but provides a certain amount of versatility for Conte, who also moved to sign left-back Marcus Alonso from Fiorentina.

Cesar Azpilicueta has been filling in at left-back, and with the arrival of Alonso, should be able to move across to his preferred position on the right.

There have been suggestions Luiz could perhaps make up part of a back three with Gary Cahill, or even a shield in front of the defence when Chelsea resume domestic action at Swansea on Sunday, looking to maintain a 100% start to the new campaign.

Luiz, who left Chelsea in the summer of 2014, has no issues with whatever position he is required to fill for the team.

“I started playing three at the back with Vitoria in Brazil, but it doesn’t matter where, I want to help and when I am in the team I am there to try to help,” Luiz said on the club’s official website.

“The coach is an amazing coach, he understands a lot of tactical things and I know he chooses every match the best line up, so if he needs to play three, four or two, it doesn’t matter, I am there if he wants me to play. In different positions I am available.”

Luiz admits Premier League ambitions

During his last spell at Chelsea, Luiz, signed from Benfica, was part of the side which won the Champions League and FA Cup in 2012, then the Europa League in the following season.

However, the Premier League title remains missing from his English honours list.

Chelsea, champions under Jose Mourinho in 2014/2015, finished 10th last season, which was a lowest league finish for some 20 years.

With no European football to stretch Conte’s squad, Luiz sees no reason why a sustained title assault should not be on the agenda.

“It is time to do it, and I hope it will be this year. I am working hard for that and this is our goal this season,” he added.

“We don’t have the Champions League to fight for so for sure we will try to win the Premier League and both cups.”